Strategic planning. Budgeting. Policy updates. These are some of the necessary behind-the-scenes work that boards and staff tackle in non-profit organizations. The NWT Literacy Council is no exception. Last weekend the Literacy Council board members gathered in Yellowknife to host our Annual General Meeting and to finish updating their board handbook and personnel policies.
We are governed by a board of directors that focuses on policy, with staff members responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Literacy Council board has one representative from each of these six NWT regions: Beaufort-Delta, Sahtu, Tłı̨chǫ, Yellowknife, Dettah and Ndilo, DehCho, and South Slave. In addition, there are four executive positions – President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Members at the annual meeting vote for the executive members who serve two-year terms of office. Members in each region select a regional representative when the position term of office expires.
Currently, we have a vacancy for a regional representative in the South Slave. Literacy Council members in any of the South Slave communities (Łutselk’e, Fort Resolution, Hay River, Fort Smith and the K’atlodeeche Reserve) can stand for election in that region. To become a member, fill out this form, or sign up by choosing the Canada Helps link on our website. Members in the South Slave communities will receive a notice soon regarding the election.
In January 2016, the board created a strategic plan to guide the organization until 2019. Literacy Council staff members create an annual business plan to guide our activities based on the strategic plan. This provides a road map that ties together all of our projects, for example, family literacy, adult supports, skill builders for youth and northern adult basic education courses.
A dedicated team of board members ensures that staff follow operational policies, that budgets match projects, and that we are able to carry out our work with enough funding and relevant policies.
For more information on the work of the NWT Literacy Council board of directors, or to find out about becoming a regional representative, contact me at 873-9262 or 1-866-599-6758.
-- Kathryn Barry Paddock
